The Aboitiz Group and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) renewed their agreement for the ship management of M/V Amazing Grace, the country's only humanitarian vessel.

The Aboitiz Group has been supporting the ship management of M/V Amazing Grace since 2017.

This year’s extension of ship management services through Abojeb Company will ensure that the ship can continue to effectively fulfill its mission to provide and deliver timely humanitarian services.

The M/V Amazing Grace was instrumental in sending urgent relief assistance to the communities in Catanduanes that were badly affected by Super Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses on Nov. 2020. 

Key signatories during the virtual MOA signing were Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon; Aboitiz Equity Ventures Chief External Affairs Officer, David Jude L. Sta. Ana; AboitizPower Chief Corporate Services Officer, Carlos Aboitiz; and Aboitiz Foundation President and COO, Maribeth L. Marasigan. 

Senator Gordon thanked the Aboitiz Group for their support in the endeavour. “I am very thankful for our partnership with the Aboitiz Group. Your assistance in the maintenance of the M/V Amazing Grace is an outstanding model of corporate social responsibility. This enables the Red Cross to bring vitally needed food, medicine, tents, and equipment to alleviate the suffering of our countrymen in disaster-stricken areas. This was clearly evident in the maiden voyage of the M/V Amazing Grace to Catanduanes after the devastation of Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. The Aboitiz Group’s Technical Support contributed greatly to the safe and efficient operation of the M/V Amazing Grace,” he said.

AEV CEAO David Jude Sta. Ana and Aboitiz Foundation President Maribeth Marasigan both expressed their gratitude to Sen. Gordon and the Philippine Red Cross for the continuing partnership.

“On behalf of the Aboitiz Group, we are pleased to be in this continued partnership with the Philippine Red Cross. This is especially needed during a crisis like COVID-19, where we need all hands on deck. Each of us has a role to play to address COVID’s impact on people’s lives, livelihood and safety,” Sta. Ana said. 

“The Aboitiz Group is proud and honored to be a partner of the Philippine Red Cross in maintaining its capability of providing relief in times of calamities and its ability to improve the health, security and welfare of the Filipino people. This partnership is a manifestation of the Aboitiz Group’s commitment to nation-building by advancing business and communities,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Aboitiz Foundation President Marasigan highlighted that the Philippine Red Cross is one of the institutions that is trusted by Filipinos, always being present in times of need. “We are very glad to partner with the Philippine Red Cross and Abojeb in the realization of M/V Amazing Grace. The Amazing Grace is an instrument of hope, and demonstrates the commitment of PRC to the Filipino people. Thank you, Senator Gordon, for trusting us. We hope that we will continue to advance business and communities together,” she said. (PR)